Friday, February 20, 2015

Gay Blood Donors Dilemma (Video)

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) new policy for gay & bisexual men to be qualified to donate blood is totally discriminatory. It was recently announced that gay & bisexual men would finally be allowed to donate blood after being banned for life since the ’80s but only if they remain celibate for one year. This discriminating policy mean that heterosexual guys can have safe sex with woman after woman & still donate blood but gay & bi men who have had safe sex for an entire year even with a monogamous partner would still be banned. Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President & CEO stated, “Stereotypes have no place in saving lives. The FDA’s proposed change still means that countless gay & bisexual men will be turned away from blood banks simply because of who they are. GLAAD is proud to stand alongside GMHC & Saatchi & Saatchi NY to shed light on this important issue.” GLAAD & Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) launched a new PSA & social media campaign starring Alan Cumming to raise awareness about the FDA’s blood donor deferral policy for gay & bisexual men. Created by Saatchi & Saatchi NY & Bullitt, #CelibacyChallenge urges the FDA to implement a blood donation system that screens all donors based on risk for HIV transmission, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.Sign Petition… WATCH VIDEO